"THE NEW NORM"

Last Sunday, January 21st, I woke up to horrible news...another mass shooting...

Although these shootings are all dreadful and tragic, this one hit home. I grew up in Montebello, the direct neighbor to Monterey Park. Only the 60 fwy divides us. My school mates lived in Monterey Park, many of my friends live in Montery Park, many of our hangouts were in Monterey Park...heck...I practically lived in Monterey Park!

I know exactly where the "Star Ballroom Dance Studio" is located. That has never happened before. What I mean is, in these past sickening shooting events, I never was familiar with the locales; I just shared the shock and sadness of a nation.

But now...                 

Don't ever let anyone tell you your feelings about an appalling crime don't intensify to the "nth" degree when it happens in your "hometown.' It hurts your heart to a completely unbelievable magnitude that defies description.

So, I find myself doing what everyone else does after a mass shooting occurs. Wait...let's just pause for a minute and repeat that phrase..."after a mass shooting occurs." That phrase indicates that these incidents commonly transpire.

Let's look at the grim facts...

As of today, January 24th, while this article is being written, 39 mass shootings have occurred in this country since the beginning of 2023, the last three in the last three days in California alone!! Let that sink in! In just three weeks...that averages to 12 shootings per week! That figure is just appalling!

Moving on...after one of these "events" takes place...our country unites about stricter gun laws and we demand this for a few days until another crisis diverts our attention. I'm guilty of this as well.

But THIS TIME...yes, this time I'm on the band wagon. I've already completed emails to my various government representatives and I'm researching the best organizations to join to primarily investigate how these sorrows can stop.

How unfortunate that it took a tragedy in my backyard to finally move me from being complacent.

I'll admit, I'm at a loss in regard to what exactly is going to finally "stop the madness." The weapon that was used in the Monterey Park carnage is illegal in California...and yet...he possesed it and used it.

So, that "gun law" didn't work.

But I know, after this past weekend, I need...not want...NEED to be part of the answer.

One behalf of the Universal City/North Hollywood

Chamber of Commerce...

Dorothy Stringer

Dorothy Stringer

CEO

Our "Tax Time Pizza Party" is baaaaaacccckkkk!! After a "too long" break during the "Covid Years, we've finally brought back this popular event!

This year, we welcome back tax expert Brian Charles, owner of not one, but TWO Liberty Tax franchises here in the North Hollywood area. And...for the first time this year we are pleased to welcome Lauren Trotter, longtime owner of "Peace of Mind Business Management", also located here in North Hollywood.

They'll lay some important info on you and answer any questions you may have...we figure you'll have a few!

PLUS...lots of discounted goodies available to you from our hosts at Pit Fire Pizza...how does a "Refundarita" sound?

It's all happening on Wednesday, February 8th between 6-8 PM!

Take a look at the flier we've included...and if you still have questions, call us at 818-505-155

The United Chambers of Commerce is holding their 9th Annual "Inspirational Woman's Luncheon" on May 11th. Do you know an inspirational, strong, amazing woman that you would like to nominate? Nominations are open through March 10th by noon.

And now, we have the electronic nomination forms and can forward them to you...just like that! It's so darn easy!!

Contact us at 818-508=5155 and we'll get those nomination forms to you right away!

Once again, the "Church of Scientology" is presenting a wonderful classical concert TOMORROW featuring violin and piano gems with Philip Levy and Tae Yeon Lim! Tickets can be purchased by using the water mark included on the above flier.

What a lovely way to spend a Friday evening!

The greens will be SOOOO green...just waiting for YOU to participate in this year's Easy Valley PALS golf tournament on MARCH 20TH 2023 at Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge!

East Valley Pals is a non-profit booster organization for the North Hollywood Division of the Los Angeles Police Department. Their board raises funds and provides financial support for the men and women of the LAPD.

Sponsorships are available and are listed above as well as your chance to make your reservation to participate and attend! Don't procrastinate...reserve and/or sponsor TODAY!!!

A HUGE "CONGRATS" goes out to our newest Board member, Lauren Trotter, owner of "Peace of Mind Business Management!" Lauren is a North Hollywood native and has been the proprietor of "Peace of Mind" for over twenty years, so it's a good bet that she would be one of the BEST business managers for you!

Wanna find out just how terrific she is? Weeeellll...here you go...

Make an appointment!

Lauren can be reached at 818-287-5867

After such a shocking and heartbreaking start to the week with the news of THREE mass shootings just in our own state, it makes us even more thankful for our own NoHo Police Department; they work exceptionally hard to keep us safe! Not long ago, our Chamber had them conduct a two hour long seminar on how to protect yourself in the event of an active shooting situation...THEY WERE FANTASTIC!!!

We may just have them do another presentation for our community...stay tuned, we'll certainly be announcing it here.

But in the meantime...from the bottom of our hearts...

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE NOHO PD!!

The digital divide is the?economic, educational, and social inequalities between those who have computers and internet access and those who do not.

Delete The Divide is an initiative led by the County of Los Angeles to advance digital equity in underserved communities through partnerships, infrastructure investments, and technology resources that empower residents and small businesses

Check out their website and learn more about how you can be of service to those who need help in our community.

www.deletethedivide.org

"I'D RATHER HAVE PEANUT BRITTLE CRUMBS IN MY FACE THAN FLIES IN MY EYES..." Joseph Hellar

So...guess what today is? It's "National Peanut Brittle Day!" If you're a peanut brittle lover, you risk the possibility of breaking your teeth to taste the deliciousness of sugary caramel tasting peanuts! But it's worth it, right?

We can think of no better place to get the best peanut brittle than our own Se's Candies, located in NoHo West on Laurel Canyon Blvd. Just pop right in today...they probably already know it's "National Peanut Brittle Day," so you'll be able to try lots of samples!!